variants
or less commonly hula-hula
: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
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A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.
Examples of hula in a Sentence
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After a spa treatment or a dip in the ocean, guests can learn how to string fragrant plumeria leis or master the art of hula in open-air pavilions.
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John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
July 10 will feature a Luau Adventure with hula dancing and singing with Moana along with a craft time for kids to make leis.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
There will be food trucks, an artisan market, a hula hoop contest and arts and crafts and face painting along with Craft Beer Garden.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Physically, hula improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength, while also providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
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John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
July 10 will feature a Luau Adventure with hula dancing and singing with Moana along with a craft time for kids to make leis.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
There will be food trucks, an artisan market, a hula hoop contest and arts and crafts and face painting along with Craft Beer Garden.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Physically, hula improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength, while also providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
—Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hula
Cite this Entry
“Hula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hula. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hula
noun
hu·la
ˈhü-lə 
variants
or hula-hula
ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə
: a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming
Etymology
from Hawaiian (Indigenous language of Hawaii)
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